“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25)

First Edition – Friday, February 13, 2026

The Built on the Rock Educational Forums have started! People are engaging and learning more about the next steps of St. John’s Master Plan and campaign. Built on the Rock Campaign Packets are being distributed at these forums. Each packet contains a Built on the Rock Booklet, Commitment Card with envelope and a sheet of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that people have had along with the answers to those questions. We are gathering additional questions at each forum, so we can be sure we hear everyone’s voice as they blend into the collective next steps of St. John’s.  

We have two remaining Forums left— one on Saturday and one on Sunday. It’s important that you come if you can! If you can’t make a Forum, look for opportunities to gather at upcoming Cottage Meetings. Your Built on the Rock Campaign Packet can also be mailed to you. Please look for how you and your household of faith can take next steps in supporting the Lord’s amazing work at St. John’s. Your next steps are important and needed!

Your pastors, staff, and leaders are really excited about these next steps! Think of the next steps that former generations took… and how we have been blessed with the promises of God! Those next steps started over 167 years ago! More recently in 2013, next steps led St. John’s congregation to build our Early Childhood Center. Those next steps resourced a faithful and gifted staff to joyfully be a bright light of discipleship and academic excellence in our community. Parents and grandparents took the next steps to allow us to help them in teaching their children. The next steps of St. John’s mission… Connecting, Caring, and Sharing in Christ… has brought us more and more children and families, and our school has almost doubled in enrollment. St. John’s School is bursting at the seams. We need to take some important next steps!

The need for expansion is real and a great opportunity! It reaffirms St. John’s original 30 Year Master Plan that is now 15+ years old… the School is our next step… $5.9 million of next steps. But we can thank Jesus that we don’t take any next steps (big or small) alone. He walks with us. He leads. He is there. He is our firm foundation. He is our Rock. Let us take these next steps trusting in Him!

May the Lord bless your next steps!

Peace in Jesus,

Pastor Jeff Hesse

God Led and They Followed

Lisa and Dave St. Peter became members of St. John’s Church after they married and moved to West Bend. When their daughter, Rachel, was old enough to start kindergarten, Lisa thought she would go to the local public school. Both Lisa and Dave had attended public schools and finances at the time were tight. She didn’t think sending their daughter to St. John’s Elementary School would be an option for them. Her husband, Dave, had different plans. He thought Rachel should go to St. John’s.

After meeting with the school principal, they decided to enroll their daughter at St. John’s. Lisa said she will never forget that first year with Mrs. Wolf. “She was the quintessential kindergarten teacher. It was a fantastic experience,” she recalled. “If God wants you to do something, He will make it happen,” Lisa stated. When it came time for their son, Joe, to attend kindergarten he went to St. John’s too. In fact, the children stayed through 8th grade and then attended Living Word Lutheran High School. Lisa said she knows that God led Dave to choose St. John’s School.

The St. Peter’s were comforted knowing that their children were learning in a safe, loving, Christian environment and they were getting a great education. She said each year was like moving from one family to the next. They have fond memories of their children singing in the children’s choir, Joe performing in the musical, and both children competing in the basketball tournaments.

St. John’s school became a great way for Lisa and Dave to connect with other parents. Being a “room mom” kept Lisa in touch with other moms. Since both of their children were active in sports, selling concessions and going to games became social events. Eventually, they became more active at church too and their faith grew. Even though their children are now grown and have families of their own, Dave and Lisa continue to stay in touch with some of those friends. Plus, now two of their granddaughters attend kindergarten at St. John’s!

Why is Built on the Rock important to you? Lisa said, “Other people sacrificed to build St. John’s School and now it is our turn—for the next generation.”

Meet Eric Kennaugh

Eric serves as Vice President, Ministry Solutions, of Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) and is St. John’s Campaign Consultant.

Eric has committed himself to helping local congregations discover and fully live into their God-given purpose. To this end he has served as a consultant with the Ohio District for LCMS’ Transforming Congregations initiative; served as a coach to congregations and pastors through CoachAdvance; and guided congregations through various vision discovery processes. In his 22 years of pastoral ministry, he has served three congregations: Trinity Lutheran Church in Baton Rouge, LA; Risen Christ Lutheran Church in Springfield, OH; and Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Batavia, IL. He has led these congregations through Capital Campaigns for building a sanctuary, renovating facilities, and debt reduction. 

Eric holds degrees from Western Michigan University; Concordia Seminary, St. Louis; and Ashland Theological Seminary. 

Eric and his wife, Amy, reside in North Canton, Ohio. Amy is a former school teacher and now works as a clinical mental health counselor. They are blessed to be the parents of three daughters.

What Is a Cottage Meeting?

St. John’s Church and School invites every member to participate in one of our upcoming Cottage Meetings as we celebrate our shared mission and look ahead to our campus expansion. These 90-minute sessions, hosted by congregation members, will offer an uplifting presentation with refreshments and fellowship. Attendees will share a devotional look at generous giving, a guided discussion on what draws families to St. John’s School, what they value about our ministry, and an overview of the School Expansion Campaign—its goals, key projects, and the process for commitments on Commitment Weekend, March 21-22. There’s no obligation at these meetings; they exist to inform, answer questions, and inspire thoughtful participation, while guiding you on how you can participate as you feel led.

Your presence matters because these gatherings help ensure everyone is well informed within a joyful, faith-filled context as we plan the expanded facilities to better serve generations to come. If you can’t attend, rest assured there will be additional opportunities to learn and engage. Watch for your invitation with the host name, date, time, and location, and please RSVP so we can plan seating and refreshments. Come prepared to listen, reflect, and prayerfully consider how you might engage with the Built in the Rock Ministry Expansion Campaign as we walk this season together and prepare for a bright future at St. John’s.

Host a Cottage Meeting

As we complete our Built on the Rock Informational Forums, we move into the inspire phase of our campaign, gathering together for Cottage Meetings. This is a time to share your story with friends. . . how did you come to St. John’s and what inspires you to be a part of God’s family here. We are looking for congregational members to host a Cottage Meeting in your home between February 23 - March 20.

Here’s How You Can Partner with Us:

PROVIDE a list of people in your circle that are members of the church or school that you would invite into your home. Email your list to our Visitation Leaders (see contact info below) within 48 hours to review your invite list and avoid multiple Cottage Meeting invites.

INVITE - Personal phone calls are the most effective! Please ask for an RSVP within 3 days so we can get a count and you can plan accordingly for the Cottage Meeting. 

HOST - Provide small refreshments, i.e. coffee and dessert, wine and cheese, etc. (If you would like to be reimbursed for your refreshment expenses, please submit your receipt to our Visitation Leaders).

You are NOT responsible for leading! A Cottage Meeting Leader will be handling the conversations at your home. You get to be an attendee!

Please contact our Visitation Leaders to set up a Cottage Meeting:

Cheryl Rudolf: 262-334-4901 (ext 308) or crudolf@stjohnswestbend.org

Julie Buss: 262-483-5288 or juliebuss64@gmail.com

Let Us Pray

Gracious and Loving God,

For 167 years, You have blessed the ministry of St. John’s — guiding, sustaining, and empowering this congregation to be a light in the community and a witness to Your goodness. We thank You for every life touched, every prayer offered, and every act of service that has brought glory to Your name through the years.

Lord, as we look to the future and embark on our Built on the Rock ministry expansion campaign, we humbly ask for Your wisdom and guidance. Give us clear vision, open hearts, and the courage to follow where You lead. May every decision we make honor You and further Your kingdom’s work among us.

Create within us a spirit of unity and purpose. Bless us with generous givers, that through our shared sacrifice and stewardship, Your mission may flourish and touch even more lives.

We place our hopes, plans, and the future of St. John’s in Your hands. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.

Important Dates to Remember

INFORM: FEBRUARY 8-15

Learn about campaign details by attending a Forum in the church lower level and pick up your packet during that time:

• Saturday, February 14 at 4:45 PM

• Sunday, February 15 at 9:25 AM

INSPIRE: FEBRUARY 20-MARCH 20

• Prayer Vigil: Friday, February 20 from 11 AM - 11 PM and Saturday, February 21, 5 AM - Noon

Click here to sign up for the prayer vigil.

• Prayer and Praise Service: Saturday, February 21 at 1 PM

• Host and/or Attend a Cottage Meeting

COMMITMENT WEEKEND: MARCH 21 & 22

Return Your Commitment Card at Worship Services

Attend Commitment Celebration on Sunday, March 22

CONGREGATIONAL VOTERS’ MEETING: MARCH 25

Gather as a congregation to vote whether to move forward with the ministry expansion project.

FIRST GIFTS WEEKEND: MAY 2 & 3

If approved, St. John’s begins accepting Built on the Rock campaign gifts.

Meet Our Built on the Rock Committee

Back Row: Pastor Stephen Reynolds (Connections), Karen Schmidt (Hospitality Coordinator), Dave Schmidt (Fulfillment Coordinator), Steve Kaphingst (Campaign Director), Mike Bryan (Campaign Manager), Pastor Jeff Hesse (Share/Administration).

Front Row: Pastor Chris Dhuse (Care), Phyllis Mortenson (Prayer Coordinator), Erika Kimmler (Children’s Leader), Rachel Morton (Hospitality Coordinator), Cheryl Rudolf (Connection Coordinator & Visitation Leader), Tonja Bryan (Communications Manager), Julie Buss (Connection Coordinator & Visitation Leader), Dave Rohr (Financial Coordinator).

If you have questions about the campaign, email Steve Kaphingst (Campaign Director) at skaph1@yahoo.com, call Pastor Jeff Hesse at (262) 334-4901, ext. 319, or email the church office at stjohns@stjohnswestbend.org.